Insect scare device

Modern mowing techniques can unintentionally harm insects, pollinators, and small wildlife. The AS-Motor Insect Scare Device is an innovative solution designed to significantly reduce insect mortality while ensuring efficient land maintenance. Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim, studies show that the device increases insect escape rates by three times compared to mowing without protection.

By integrating this system, landowners, municipalities, and professional landscapers can preserve biodiversity while maintaining green spaces efficiently. The device is compatible with a wide range of AS-Motor professional mowers, making sustainable mowing accessible across various applications, including flower meadows, orchards, roadside greenery, and conservation areas.

In cooperation with the Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim, various trials were carried out which, among other things, confirmed the benefits of the insect scare device. The trials were carried out with an AS 63 rotary brush-mower as the carrier vehicle. In order to ensure that the results are robust, comparative runs were carried out with and without the insect scare device in several repetitions. The number of insects flushed out was determined by means of a catch basket attached to the device. The result clearly shows the benefit of the device. During the trials, about three times as many insects were flushed out with the insect scare device (compared to the trials without the scaring device) and thus moved out of the danger zone of the mower. Further trials with dummy insects suggest that the survival rate of insects can be further increased by using single bladed mowers in combination with an increased cutting height. Simple in design but effective in protecting insects.

Mounted at the front of the mower, the mechanically driven probes create vibrations that gently guide insects and small animals out of harm’s way before the blades reach them. This reduces the ecological impact of mowing while ensuring optimal efficiency.

With adjustable height and length, the device adapts to different terrains, maintaining effectiveness in dense vegetation and steep slopes. Its robust, flexible probes withstand demanding conditions, and its folding mechanism protects it from obstacles, ensuring durability and seamless operation.

Mowing operations are essential, but they should not come at the cost of biodiversity. The AS-Motor Insect Scare Device bridges efficiency with ecological responsibility, offering a simple yet effective way to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects. Whether maintaining agricultural fields, urban parks, or nature reserves, this technology ensures that landscapes thrive while ecosystems remain intact.